Find leak rate for hoses, lines, and taps. Convert to daily loss and billing cost. Save water, avoid soggy soil, and keep roots healthy.
| Scenario | Input | Hours/day | Cost per m³ | Leak rate (L/hr) | Monthly loss (L) | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucket test on hose | 10 L in 15 min | 2 | 250 | 40.00 | 2,400 | PKR 600.00 |
| Drip zone seepage | 3 L in 30 min | 6 | 250 | 6.00 | 1,080 | PKR 270.00 |
| Meter test overnight | 0.05 m³ in 2 hr | 24 | 250 | 25.00 | 18,000 | PKR 4,500.00 |
Accurate leak estimation starts with controlled measurements. For drip lines, isolate one irrigation zone and ensure no taps are open. Use a bucket test when flow is low: capture water for a timed interval, then record volume and seconds. For higher flows, use a container with markings and repeat twice to reduce error from splashing, timing, and wind. Note ambient pressure and keep the stopwatch visible.
Meter readings help detect hidden leaks, especially overnight. Record the meter at the start, wait a fixed interval, and record again without using water. Convert the difference to liters, then divide by minutes. If the register is in cubic meters, multiply by 1000. Longer test windows improve signal, smooth pressure swings, and reduce rounding effects. Run the test when household use is zero for accuracy. Always.
Interpreting the rate matters for plants and soil. A small leak can keep soil saturated, reducing oxygen around roots and encouraging fungus. Moderate leaks may waste significant water during scheduled irrigation hours. High rates can cause erosion, wash fertilizer away, and create mosquito habitat. Use the severity indicator to prioritize shutdown, repair, and targeted inspections. Document soil moisture changes before and after each repair. For trends.
Cost estimation links maintenance to budget decisions. Monthly cost equals monthly loss in cubic meters multiplied by the tariff per cubic meter. If tariffs vary by slab, use an average rate for planning. Comparing the leak to a typical 2 L/hr emitter helps crews visualize impact, especially in mixed systems with sprinklers, drippers, and micro-sprayers. Include pump energy costs if a booster runs during leakage. Also.
After calculating, confirm the source and verify repairs. Walk the line during operation and look for wet joints, bubbling soil, or unusually green patches. Check valve boxes, filters, end caps, and pressure regulators. Repair, then rerun the same test to confirm improvement. Logging results in CSV or PDF supports audits and seasonal irrigation tuning. Photograph problem spots to guide crews and prevent repeat failures. Next season.
Collect water in a bucket or container for a timed interval, then read the volume markings. Enter the captured volume and elapsed time. Repeat twice and use the average for a steadier estimate.
Use the total daily runtime of the leaking zone. If the leak is present only while watering, enter scheduled hours. If a pipe leaks continuously, enter 24 to estimate full-day losses.
It translates the leak into an easy reference for drip systems. Dividing leak rate by 2 L/hr estimates how many typical emitters would match the same loss, helping crews visualize impact.
Yes. Measure volume over time at the leak point, or use meter readings with all sprinklers off except the leak condition. The calculator converts any measured loss to standard rates and costs.
Convert your price to cost per cubic meter. One cubic meter equals 1000 liters and about 264.17 US gallons. After conversion, enter the equivalent value to keep monthly cost consistent.
Run the same test after repairs using identical timing. Compare leak rate and daily loss to the earlier result. If readings remain high, inspect valves, regulators, and hidden fittings for secondary leaks.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.